A NEW banking service has taken to the roads in Ryedale.

Barclays is piloting a new banking service - the Barclays Van - which will offer face-to-face and accessible service for customers living in remote and rural communities.

Pre-booked appointments with local Barclays specialists will be available, helping customers thinking about buying a new home, set up a new business or perhaps save for the future.

It was launched at Flamingo Land with Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake and Gordon Gibb, CEO at the theme park.

Mr Hollinrake, who is also co-chair of the APPG for Fair Business Banking and Finance, said: “This is a really good initiative. It’s not always possible for people to get into a bank for advice if they live in rural areas, particularly in recent months with the coronavirus restrictions, so it will make life much easier for many people living in some of the most remote parts of North Yorkshire.”

Steve Mullins, Barclays market director for Yorkshire, said: “I’m excited that we will be piloting a new Barclays face-to-face mobile banking service here in Yorkshire. Modern technology brings speed and convenience, which the majority of our customers choose to complement their busy lives, but there’ll always be important financial moments when customers prefer to have a conversation.

“The Barclays Van will provide us with this option and the opportunity to expand our existing footprint beyond the traditional branch network.”

The van is fully accessible with a ramp for wheelchair users and is powered by solar power when stationary.

For a schedule of where it is visiting, and to book appointments, go to barclays.co.uk/van